The Maine Island Trail Association (abbreviated MITA) is a
grassroots, volunteer-run
conservation and
preservation group based in
Portland, Maine, United States. It was co-founded by David Getchell Sr. in 1988, following a
land survey, conducted by the State of Maine, of the state's uninhabited coastal islands. The survey discovered around 1,300 unclaimed geographical features, including islands and
sandbars.[1]
It also manages the
Maine Island Trail, a recreational water trail which runs the entire coast of
Maine,[2] connecting (as of 2023) 182 island and 76 mainland sites available for day visits or overnight camping.[3] MITA itself does not own any land;[4] it supports land trusts and private landowners in the upkeep of its islands.[2][5][6] On private and state-owned properties, public access is provided in exchange for MITA's caretaking.[4]
As of 2023, MITA has almost 10,000 members.[7] Its executive director is Doug Welch,[8] while its program director is Brian Marcaurelle.[9][10]
David Getchell
MITA was co-founded by David R. Getchell Sr.,[7] a native of
Bangor, Maine. He died in 2018, aged 89.[11]